Structure and Dynamics of Granivorous Birds in Rice Fields Lowlands of the Yamoussoukro District, Central Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Aims: This study was conducted to identify seed-eating birds and their dynamics in four rice-growing lowlands. Place and Duration of Study: Nana, Petit Bouaké, Subiakro and Zatta rice-growing lowlands in the Yamoussoukro district (Central Côte d’Ivoire) from May 2021 to April 2022. Methodology: Seed-eating birds were surveyed using the line transect method between 6.30 am and 6.30 pm. At each site, four surveys were carried out per month. Results: In total, 22 species of seed-eating birds belonging to six families and three orders were inventoried in the rice-growing lowlands of the Yamoussoukro district. Among them, Village weaver Ploceus cucullatus, Red-headed Quelea Quelea erythrops and Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata were the predominant species. Five other species, Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata, Magpie Mannikin Spermestes fringilloides, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus, Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macroura and Black-winged Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus were regular in these lowland rice fields. Numbers of these seed-eating birds were highest at the Subiakro site and at the spike development and maturation of the rice. In addition, their numbers were highest between March and October and lowest between November and February. Conclusion: This study indicates that eight seed-eating birds are likely to cause significant damage to rice crops, but their pressure could be reduced by planning harvests between November and February.